A Tree is a Tree

Feed your curiosity and give your senses a treat by examining your environment in a new way. Because of my love of plants, I especially find trees a perfect object for sensory practice. One view of trees is that they are lollipop- or triangle-shaped, like we drew them in kindergarten. Maybe that’s so, maybe not. Just for fun, pick a tree. First, look at your tree from a distance. How closely does it match the lollipop/triangle mindset? Now, stand beside your chosen tree, and look up the trunk into the branches. Do the branches go evenly out from the trunk like spokes of a bicycle wheel? Or does your tree somehow vary from that stereotype? Do the branches call you to climb up? How does the foliage look from the bottom? Then close your eyes and notice your other senses. How does the bark feel? How does it smell today? What temperature touches your skin? Finally, take a deep breath, step back and notice if/how your tree has changed for you.

Suggestion from Mariah Kaye, Senior Fitness Specialist, offering more fitness choices through MoveAnyWayFitness.com.